What we heard: In August, rumors first surfaced that Sony was readying a stripped-down $399 40GB PlayStation 3 for release by year's end. Since then, evidence of the console's existence have proliferated like an invasive species, popping up in everything from the FCC's Web site to reports from Wedbush Morgan Analyst Michael Pachter, who thought the console might be unveiled during the 2007 Tokyo Game Show. Though that did not come to pass, Wedbush analysts said Monday they still "expect the heavily speculated 40GB PS3 to appear at a $399 price as early as the holidays (and in any event early next year)."
Indeed, the past few days have seen a passel of reports all but proving Pachter's PS3 prognostication. On Saturday, the Web site for the French edition of GamePro claimed to have learned that Sony is planning a "big bang" announcement on Friday, October 12. (UPDATE: Sony Europe now denies any such announcement is planned.) On Sunday, the Sony-backed site Bluraysavings.com announced that purchasers of the same PS3 model revealed in the FCC documents--which still officially doesn't exist--would be eligible to receive several free BD movies. (The page has since been altered to just read "PlayStation 3").
Yesterday, popular tech-blog Engadget reported receiving evidence that monolithic electronics retailer Best Buy had already entered a $399, 40GB PS3 into their internal systems. Then, this morning, British game trade MCV reported its sister magazine in Italy had confirmed a 399 euro, 40GB PS3 was set to hit story shelves on October 10--exactly one week from today.
Finally, just hours ago, GameSpot received a tip from the manager of an Australian electronics retailer who said he was shown materials announcing the arrival of a 40GB PS3 "in the new two weeks." The model would bear a price tag of AU$699 (around $617), way down from the AU$999 ($882) price tag of the 60GB PS3. (NOTE: The US Dollar's exchange rate is currently at a near-all-time low against the Australian dollar.)
The official story: "Thanks for contacting us for comment, but our response remains the same--It's our policy not to comment on rumors or speculation."--Sony rep.
Bogus or not bogus?: Though nothing is official, the $399 40GB PS3 is looking more and more likely. It also makes sense: the price point would put it between the $449 Elite and $349 Pro models of the Xbox 360, making it semi-affordable by comparison. The move would also give the PS3 some more ammo for the brutal battle for holiday shopping dollars.
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